Science

SCIENCE COURSE SEQUENCE
3 credits required for graduation  

* Some courses may not be offered at every school

SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS*

FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE 9 WITH LAB (SC113) (1 credit)
Foundations of Physical Science 9 with Lab develops the student’s scientific inquiry by integrating the sciences, with a focus on preparing the student for the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT).  This course builds on the concepts and principles of chemistry, environmental topics and physics.   The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum.  This course covers areas of chemical reactions, energy transfers in life processes, and biochemistry.  Students will form hypotheses, design experiments, use technology, analyze data and draw conclusions.  Course content reflects the Connecticut Science Framework by following Strands 1-3.
HONORS FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE 9 WITH LAB (SC114) (New for 2011-12)
(1 credit)
The honors section is a more rigorous application of the Foundations of Physical Science with Lab.  Topics are covered more in depth and include additional hands-on laboratory work.  Individual student research topics in Physical Science are emphasized in this course.

FOUNDATIONS OF LIFE SCIENCE 10 WITH LAB (SC213) (1 credit)
(To be phased in as Biology I, (in limited schools in 2012-13)
Following the Connecticut Science Framework 3 and 4, Foundations of Life Science 10 with Lab continues the students’ scientific inquiry training as preparation for the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT).  The course, which builds upon the knowledge of biological concepts, includes:  cell chemistry, biotechnology, genetics, evolution and biodiversity.  As in grade 9 students will continue forming hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing data and drawing conclusions while expanding their understanding of the content standards.

(2012-13) Designated schools will phase in Life Science as Biology I (SC635) and Honors Biology I (SC636)

HONORS FOUNDATIONS OF LIFE SCIENCE 10 WITH LAB (SC214) (1 credit)
(To be phased in as Honors Biology I, (in limited schools in 2012-13)
The honors section is a more rigorous application of the Foundations of Life Science 10 with Lab.  Topics are covered more in depth and include additional hands-on laboratory work.  Individual student research topics in Life Science are emphasized in this course.

BIOLOGY (SC630) (1 credit)*
This course will focus on biological concepts. Topics include the scientific method of inquiry, as well as the following: basic biochemistry; the study of cell structure and function; cell physiology; cell reproduction and development; Mendelian genetics; population genetics; ecology; and the classification, structure and function of organisms. The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the course curriculum. A variety of laboratories provide the student with opportunities to form hypotheses, design experiments, use technology, analyze data and draw conclusions.

CHEMISTRY (SC610) (1 credit)
Building on knowledge developed in the previous integrated science courses, students will be introduced to chemistry topics such as: atomic structure, chemical bonding, energy changes, stoichiometry, periodicity, properties of gases, solutions, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, and organic and biochemistry. Students will investigate the properties, composition and structure of matter and the laws that govern the combination of elements and reaction of substances. The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. Students will apply their knowledge of chemistry to various problem-solving activities with the use of science-specific technologies and standard laboratory tools.

CHEMISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY (SC663) (1 credit)*
This course is intended to be an elective credit in grade 12 and is not a replacement for CHEMISTRY.  Each unit in this course includes a chemistry related theme which connects directly to everyday life and to the community.  It is designed to provide the student opportunities to develop and observe important chemistry concepts connected to their surroundings.  Most significantly the connection to the technologies makes this a meaningful and important course.  Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

FORENSICS (SC620) (1 credit)
This course is designed to challenge students with topics such as fingerprinting; DNA analysis; blood typing and spattering; trajectories (for ballistics as well as blood spattering); comparative anatomy; chemical analysis of drugs, poisons, and trace evidence; and, the dynamics of physics.  Students will learn about the careers involved with Forensic Science and will play mock roles as experts in the field to solve crimes.  They will learn team work in solving the mock crimes and have a chance to change their roles as the year progresses.  The students will be provided training in the analysis of data and chemical/biological evidence.

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (SC640) (1 credit)
This course is an introduction to the structure and function of the human body.  It provides students with a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology.  This course includes a study of diseases, conditions, and an emphasis on how various organ systems maintain homeostasis.  The study of human biology incorporate a variety of learning activities such as problem-solving, hands-on-activities, experiments, and projects to learn the content.  The use of core and advanced biology equipment includes microscopes, human models, and prepared slides of the various body sectors.